Septimus, a tutor, is confronted by Mr. Chater, a poet, who accuses him of insulting his wife. The conversation quickly devolves into a humorous and intellectual sparring match about poetry, reputation, and the nature of satisfaction, revealing the complex relationships and social dynamics of the era.
Chater It is not convenient, sir. My business will not wait.
Septimus The impression you have is Lord Croom's opinion that your business is more important than his daughter's lesson.
Chater I do not, but, if you like, I will ask his lordship to settle the point.
Septimus (after a pause) My lady, take Fermat into the music room. There will be an extra spoofal…
Format: Duologue · Genre: Comedy-Drama · Source: Arcadia · Author: Tom Stoppard · Characters: CHATER, SEPTIMUS
This engaging duologue, "Act I, Scene 1 — The Chater Family," plunges us into a comedic and intellectually charged confrontation. We witness Mr. Chater, a poet, accuse Septimus, a tutor, of insulting his wife, setting off a rapid-fire exchange that cleverly unpacks themes of reputation, desire, and wit. The scene's dynamic shifts quickly from a seemingly polite challenge to a surprisingly frank and humorous discussion of personal honor and marital fidelity.
CHATER is a poet driven by a fierce, albeit perhaps misguided, sense of honor and an underlying insecurity regarding his reputation and his wife. He presents as easily provoked and passionate, prone to dramatic declarations and a slightly archaic sense of dignity. SEPTIMUS, in contrast, is an intellectual with a dry wit and a playful, almost academic, approach to conflict, even when accused of serious transgressions. He maintains a captivating composure, using language as both a weapon and a shield, revealing a sophisticated and perhaps cynical worldview.
This scene is an excellent choice for auditions due to its rapid-fire dialogue, sophisticated wit, and clear character arcs within a short span. It offers actors the opportunity to showcase strong verbal dexterity and comedic timing, while also hinting at deeper dramatic undertones. The contrasting personalities of Chater and Septimus provide a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate range and the ability to play off a scene partner with nuanced reactions and intentions.
This scene is ideally suited for male actors between 25-45 who excel in comedic roles with an intellectual edge. It will particularly benefit those looking to demonstrate a sophisticated command of language and a flair for period comedy-drama and character work. Actors who embody "character actor," "intellectual," "comedic," or "sophisticated" casting types will find this material particularly effective for drama school auditions, agent showcases, or self-tapes.
When performing Chater, lean into his indignation and perhaps a touch of pomposity, ensuring his outrage builds authentically rather than feeling forced. For Septimus, focus on maintaining a detached, almost amused intellectual superiority, letting his wit land with precision and a subtle smirk. Pay close attention to the rhythm and musicality of Stoppard's language, allowing the complex sentence structures to guide your delivery and elevate the humor. Remember that while the accusations are serious, the tone remains largely comedic.